Members of the public are being invited to join experts from Suffolk Archaeology on a three-year excavation at Clare Castle Country Park.

The first phase of the project, which has been commissioned by the Clare Castle Country Park Trust after receiving a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, will run from September 10 to 28, and will see digging take place on site to find out more about the history of the area.

Alex Fisher, Suffolk Archaeology outreach officer, said: “Throughout the project, we will be moving into different areas and targetting those which we think are of historical significance. We would expect to find some kind of structural building materials there which will be really interesting.”

The group is also keen to get the community involved by teaming up with local clubs and schools and recruiting volunteers to join them on site.

“A big part of this project is to get people involved and help them to learn new skills and get a better understanding of their area,” said Alex.

“Everyone knows the site but they don’t actually know that much about it or why it’s significant so we’re giving them that chance to find out.”

The first leg of the excavation will also give volunteers the chance to take part in workshops aimed at expanding their archaeological skills and knowledge. These will include geophysics training as well as teaching sessions on animal bones and medieval pottery.

Around 40 volunteers have already signed up, but limited spaces are still available. If interested, email Joanna Caruth, who will be leading the excavation, on joanna.caruth@suffolkarchaeology.co.uk